Freeze Frame: Behind the Scenes at Rectrix Aviation

By Hannah Wallace | March 1, 2014

Get an inside look at the inner workings of Sarasota's Rectrix Aviation.

Operating out of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport for the past six years, Rectrix Aviation services more than 7,500 flights a year—including lots of private luxury jets. Rectrix's management and concierge services range from refueling and de-icing to providing coffee and meeting space, charter flights and custom-built "Hangarminiums." And business is growing. With 21 local employees (and 110 total over six East Coast Rectrix FBOs—or airport Fixed-Base Operators), president and CEO Richard Cawley says his favorite part of the job is hiring additional staff. "Have you ever seen the smile on someone's face when you tell them they now have a full-time job with benefits?" he asks. "It's a great feeling."

Factoids

$20,000: Approximate cost to charter a 10-passenger Challenger jet from Sarasota to Boston

Most-requested in-flight amenity: Internet access

20,000 sq. ft.: Largest of its hangars

Fuel dispensed annually: 2 million gallons

125,000 sq. ft.: Total size of facility

Typical client: Entrepreneurs and corporate execs with a second home here.